Back in the early 80s, such Scottish bands as Orange Juice, Aztec Camera and Jozef K made a mark by delivering sensitive pop that was both highly melodic and often melancholy. In this current decade, many Scottish bands have again become fashionable, but the likes of Mogwai and Franz Ferdinand have a much louder and edgier sound. Considering they formed back in 1987, Glasgow's Trashcan Sinatras virtually span
both generations. Stylistically, they definitely belong more in the earlier camp, and their brand new CD, Weightlifting, can be heartily recommended to lovers of moody and literate Britpop. It is just their fourth album, but the rave reviews it is getting marks a real change of fortune for the veteran quintet. Trashcan Sinatras built a dedicated fan base on both sides of the Atlantic with their first two albums, 1990's Cake and 1993's I've Seen Everything. They were popular on college radio in North America, but changing musical tastes found the band somewhat relegated to the trashcan themselves.
It is a sign of the times and tastes that the group couldn't even find a record label in Britain to release Weightlifting. They're putting it out there themselves, but thankfully American label SpinART and their Canadian partner Linus recognized its worth. Interestingly enough, we get the album here six weeks ahead of Britain and Japan.
Guitarist John Douglas explains that "we ran into various problems finding a U.K. label, so we eventually decided to self-release the record. The journey to this decision was long and laborious and depressing at times. Our eyes were opened to the way the industry is right now, and we believe we made the wisest decision."
Sparking American interest was the band's blitz of this past South By Southwest Festival in Austin. They played five gigs, attracting plenty of media attention in the process. "That was the most wonderful experience," says John. "We managed to stumble across some very helpful people. There seemed to be a general feeling of fondness and goodwill from all who could recall us, and the reaction to our new material was fantastic." Getting to meet Willie Nelson, one of his musical heroes, was another SXSW highlight. |
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Not that Trashcan Sinatras are in too much danger of becoming the next big thing. They are just too understated for that, as Douglas realizes. "We seem to live in times where fame and exposure is granted to the most bizarre things. My general reaction is to step back and quietly observe the madness, and then while away the hours with my compadres, busying ourselves with the creation of, hopefully, special things. We have been at this lark for a good number of years now, and the truth is the past seven years have seen a lot more bad than good times. But we are a very determined bunch, utterly convinced of our worth and blown away by the songs we create together. They reflect and enhance our lives."
This self-confidence and the obvious empathy amongst the five members (Douglas, Paul Livingston, Stephen Douglas, Davy Hughes and Francis Reader) shines through on Weightlifting. Singer Reader is the brother of Eddi Reader, the charming vocalist for Fairground Attraction ("Perfect"), so musical talent clearly runs in that family.
Tasteful string arrangements enhance some songs, and such atmospheric imagery as "on the sunset, horses silhouette" ("All The Dark Horses") is refreshing. An excellent mixing job from Andy Chase (Ivy) and a cameo from fellow Scot Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub) are other assets. Trashcan Sinatras will soon begin a North American tour that will include Montreal and Toronto dates. John Douglas recalls that "we had to cancel a show in Montreal in 1993 because the roads were closed due to a heavy snowfall!" Their timing now looks much better, all the way around.
Originally appeared in Tandem News.
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